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frets4fun · 8th November 2007, 08:38 PM

Hi,

My hobbyist-home recording setup is pretty basic: a couple Sure dynamic mics --> MBOX2 --> ProTools. I am adding a condenser mic this week.

I have been playing music for almost 20yrs and have developed a decent ear for tone. Although I have only been recording for ~6mo, I am rapidly coming to realize the limitations of the MBOX pres and am looking to add a nice external pre. I looked at a variety of 1 channel units in the $500-800 price range but have since decided a dual-channel unit may be better. I could spend between $1K-$2K.

I was speaking with a knowledgeable sales person the other day. He recommended a couple units in the $1700 range: the A-Designs Pacifica and the Presonus AD600. These seem to be excellent units which offer the tonal characteristics I am looking for.

Do you think these would be overkill for me? I don't mind getting something I can grow into. However, I do not want to spend money on something that is "more than I will ever need". There are a number of very good 2-channel mic pre's for hundreds $$ less.

I am not necessarily asking for model recommendations (although suggestions are always welcome!). Being relatively new to recording, I looking for some guidance as where the point of dimishing returns lies (in terms of preamp quality).

Thanks!

8th November 2007, 08:38 PM	#1
frets4fun Gear interested Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NJ via NY Posts: 15	Are These Mic Pre's Overkill for Me? Hi, My hobbyist-home recording setup is pretty basic: a couple Sure dynamic mics --> MBOX2 --> ProTools. I am adding a condenser mic this week. I have been playing music for almost 20yrs and have developed a decent ear for tone. Although I have only been recording for ~6mo, I am rapidly coming to realize the limitations of the MBOX pres and am looking to add a nice external pre. I looked at a variety of 1 channel units in the $500-800 price range but have since decided a dual-channel unit may be better. I could spend between $1K-$2K. I was speaking with a knowledgeable sales person the other day. He recommended a couple units in the $1700 range: the A-Designs Pacifica and the Presonus AD600. These seem to be excellent units which offer the tonal characteristics I am looking for. Do you think these would be overkill for me? I don't mind getting something I can grow into. However, I do not want to spend money on something that is "more than I will ever need". There are a number of very good 2-channel mic pre's for hundreds $$ less. I am not necessarily asking for model recommendations (although suggestions are always welcome!). Being relatively new to recording, I looking for some guidance as where the point of dimishing returns lies (in terms of preamp quality). Thanks!